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Sumit SinghalSumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination.

Salt Tower in Budva, Montenegro by ENFORMA in cooperation with AIM STUDIO

Planning and designing buildings, in areas such as Budva, are almost always driven by clear guidelines that were established during the long and rich history. The subject area has many of high-quality surroundings aspects and views, like the old town, the island Sv. Nicola and the sea horizon. Therefore, making an architectural structure, on this location, has to be directed towards these benefits with an adequate response to the overall context.

During designing process, architects should be open, and let the qualities we offer and get from environment, properly mesh. That is followed by the idea that became as functional division of property into commercial and residential areas. This classification is defined by directing ground floor and mezzanine inward what makes that space introverted, while the floors above are extroverted and open to the environment. With cuts in upper and lower zone of the building, this concept is reflected on the form of entire building. This transformation from rectangular form to tall crystal grain reflective structure on the Mediterranean coast justifies a name –Salt Tower.

Exterior View

This procedure leads to the contours, which flows into forming cascades and terraces, overlooking the old town of Budva. The building form made by this approach has a basis in the historical heritage of Montenegro, which refers to the recognition of the typical one slope roof houses in Pastrovici village, as well as its orientation. The aim of the entire project was to carefully analyze the specific location and the possibilities that this place offers to the users.

The organization of the lower floors is inspired by the dynamic of ambient characterized with the old town of Budva, so the result is playful matrix of ground floor. The need to revive this level, produced an ambient in which interior and exterior are overlapped. The purpose of these areas is related to the business, such as restaurant, bank, kindergarten … In this zone is located Spa center which offer various possibilities of recreation such as aerobics, gym, massages, saunas and swimming pool. The use of these facilities is intended to residents, and other visitors, what makes these SPA centre and this investment justified and economically feasible.

Exterior View

This building is designed as a condominium and energy efficient object, which offers to residents full comfort and security, with a high technology equipment as smart home systems, solar panels, PV panels, natural ventilation system… This condominium can also offer for apartment users a reception, spa center, kindergarten, 81 parking place, green gardens… One of the main aspects which improve a quality of this building is the organization of the 95% of the apartments towards the South side, Old town and sea horizon. Most of the apartments have a both output to the South and North side.

Aerial View

The structure of apartments is varied and goes from one-bedroom, two-bedroom through to high level penthouses on the top levels. Smaller units are placed on the lower levels, first and second floor. Their organization is such that it can be easily connected, for getting bigger units.

The upper part of the building is reserved for the highest quality homes whose residents enjoy in absolute luxury. Besides the rich interior and large terraces this units have green gardens, which make a natural, ecological environment and special atmosphere. All this is achieved with cutting into the whole architectural structure and the forming of green cascades. Greening of the upper floor became from the desire to bring the nature of the surrounding into the building and get connected with its environment.

Exterior View

The internal stairs are clearly separated as a fireproof evacuation stairs . The hallways in front of the elevators have atriums that provides natural light intrusion, and the natural ventilation.

The design maximizes the opportunities of the Mediterranean climate with a passive cooling strategy using cross-ventilation and thermal convection while taking advantage of the abundantly sunny location. A commitment to minimizing the project’s ecological footprint informed all aspects of the design.

Swimming pool

As a result, the facade is virtually redesigned “live” from within, responding to the occupants of the building in real time. The façade also enhances the existing streetscape and promotes a lively pedestrian environment. By visually breaking up the façade into smaller, articulated moving elements, the building appears to move with the passing cars and people. Like many features of the building, the façade is multivalent and rich with meaning, performing several roles for formal, functional, and experiential effect.

The perforated aluminum panels of the building create an ever-changing screen, providing shade to cool the building, reducing noise, and enhancing privacy while still allowing for spectacular views, natural light, and ventilation from sea breezes that pass through its perforations even when all panels are fully closed.